FAQ
What's Happening
Teacher's Workshop is a new feature at the Go Congress this year.
The Teachers Workshop planned for this year’s U.S. Go Congress has attracted the attention of the Korean Baduk Association, which is sending two Korean pros who are recognized experts in teaching techniques, to add to the program. “They are very enthusiastic about supporting go education in America,” says Myungwan Kim 9P, whose diplomacy made the visit possible. The Koreans are particularly interested in sharing their techniques for bringing youth players into the low single-digit kyu level within a year or two. “Our curriculum this year is aimed at those teaching absolute beginners,” says workshop coordinator Bill Camp. “The Korean expert teachers will allow us to expand the program to include those who want to teach at a higher level.” Enthusiasm for the workshop is much higher than expected, according to Congress co-director Chris Kirschner, who reports that “16% of Congress attendees thus far have registered for the workshop. We aren’t planning on turning anyone away, but we do want people to sign up early so we can plan the workshop sessions to fit the number and types of people attending.” –
Go Congress to issue AGA Rank certificates at the Congress.
The first ever AGA Rank certificates will be presented at the Go Congress this year. This addition to AGA membership benefits has been on the back burner for years (by some reports about 35 years). The full implementation, which will be automated with the rating and tournament reporting system, may not be ready at that time. However, President, Andy Okun has looked at reports of the winners at the US Open, and determined that those who place in the top three in their band (top 6 in the open section.) in that event hold (or exceed) the rank they played at virtually all the time. (Well over 90% for the statistically inclined.) Okun said, “That is good enough for us to jump start the program with certificates based on placing at least third in your band.”
When programming to automate the process is completed later this year, people who meet the standard for their next rank will receive an email notifying them of their achievement, and a PDF certificate which they can print for themselves. Fancier certificates – and plaques, suitable for framing, will be available at a reasonable cost. “This is an exciting addition to the tournament scene.” says Karolin Li, AGA National Tournament Coordinator. “Since the only way to get the certificate is to compete in AGA tournaments, we are expecting more, and larger tournaments.”
Congress Info
What is the Go Congress?
The US Go Congress is the largest go event of the year in the United States. This is the site of the US Open. Pro lectures, self-paired rated games, lightning tournaments, simultaneous games and many other activities take place during Go Congress week. Check out the Tournaments and Day-Off Activities for information about the events and go to the registration page to sign up for the Go Congress.
What is a Non-player?
A Non-player is a person who does not play Go, and has no plans to participate in any Go-related activities (no self-paired games, tournaments, simuls, professional lectures, etc.)
How Do You Get To Pacific Lutheran University?
For GPS users, the address of the Congress site is 12180 Park Avenue S., Tacoma, WA. 98447. For those coming by car, use exit 127 on I5 and go East on SR 512 toward Puyallup. Take the WA-7/Pacific Ave. exit toward Parkland/Spanaway/Paradise. Turn right onto 122nd St S. Turn right onto Park Ave S. 12180 PARK AVE S is on the left.
Interstate and U.S. Highways
The PLU folks have put up a webpage with driving instructions: (http://www.plu.edu/admission/first-year/visit-plu/directions.php)
Air Travel
Seattle-Tacoma Airport is a major international airport, and it is close to PLU. Travel time from the airport is about 45 minutes.
How do I get from the Airport to the Congress site?
The Go Congress site, Pacific Lutheran University, is approximately 45 minutes from SeaTac airport by car. The Shuttle Express service from the airport is approximately +/-$22 per person when shared.
We will coordinate with the Shuttle Express service to and from the Airport during peak travel times on Saturday August 3th, and Sunday August 11th. A congress greeting desk at the south end of the baggage claim area near Door 00 will help arriving attendees.
Shared fares about $22 or less depending on the number of shares. You can explore Shuttle Express' web page at: www.shuttleexpress.com. There you will learn about "Web Discounts" for Military Discounts, AAA Member discounts, Roundtrip Discounts. Kids 17 and under always ride free on "share ride" and scheduled service transfers, one for each paying adult.
NOTE: Let us know when you plan to arrive so we can best coordinate Shuttle Express service. You can do this on the Congress Registration page under Travel Plans. Without a reservation you may have to use a cab which would be much more than the individual shuttle cost.
If you are arriving on a day other than Saturday, August 3rd, you can find the Shuttle Express service at SEATAC airport near Door 00 at the south end of the baggage claim area. But please still inform us of your arrival plans using the Congress Registration page. If enough people are arriving at the same time, we can arrange for multiple riders to share a ride to reduce your fare.
Can I arrive early or stay later than Congress dates?
Yes, accommodations are available for early arrival and late stays up to one day before or two days after-- if you plan ahead! Please contact the registrar (registrar2013@gocongress.org) as early as possible if you need early arrival or late stays as the room must be reserved through the registrar. Additional charges may apply.
What is the refund policy?
The 2013 Go Congress will provide full refunds less a $50 processing fee and all credit card fees until July 1, 2013. After July 1st, a $75 processing fee and all credit card fees will be deducted from the refund.
What is the Privacy Policy?
The information you provide here will not be distributed to any other party.
What are the facilities like?
The available rooming options on site at PLU come in two varieties - APARTMENT STYLE and DORM STYLE
Apartment Style rooms are very limited, and will be apportioned on a first come, first served basis. The apartment style rooms have private bedrooms with shared bath and a kitchen. A quad, for example has four bedrooms, two baths, and a kitchen.
Dorm Style rooms have one or two beds in each room with a bath down the hall. There is a communal kitchen and communal lounge spaces.
What about meals?
The meal plan is included with all rooms on campus. If you are staying off site, individual meals may be purchased at the cafeteria, or you may buy the meal plan if you plan to eat all meals at the cafeteria. Email the registrar about purchasing the meal plan separately (registrar2013@gocongress.org).
What is the weather like in August?
The average high temperature for this area of Washington for the week of August 4 through 11 is in the 70's (20's Celsius).
What is the alcohol policy?
PLU is a dry campus. However, there is one dorm (South Hall) that will allow alcohol in its lounge area. In addition local businesses ensure that you will only have to walk a few steps off campus to find a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol.
What is the smoking policy?
PLU is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is not permitted.